Kit Prendergast, PCC
Kit brings you a wealth of expertise and experience as well as a wonderful spirit, energy, and a gift for inspiring you to create the life you truly want for yourself.Kit's Tips & Books
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Category Archives: Kit’s Resources & Book Reviews
360 Degrees of Influence
360 Degrees of Influence: Get Everyone to Follow Your Lead on Your Way to the Top, by Harrison Monarth, McGraw-Hill Publishers, New York, New York, 2012.
Okay, I admit it! I haven’t finished reading this book cover to cover because it is that good. I’ve only had it for a week but I keep finding new chapters to read each day that I can apply immediately to my executive leadership coaching work.
In this brand new book, Monarth tackles the complex challenge of how to initiate significant organizational change through the power of influence. I applaud his 360° approach which encourages all of us to gain the trust and respect of those around us – up, across and down – to expand our spheres of influence. My favorite chapters are on how to break through resistance; organizational politics; influencing your boss, how to use your words to change minds and Monarth’s emphasis on becoming EQ smart. So if you are a seasoned professional in a well-defined leadership role already or a rapidly raising young professional that wants to rock the boat this book is for you. I loved it!
Posted in Kit's Resources & Book Reviews
Tagged Career, Leadership, learning, strengths, success, Visioning
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Emotional Intelligence 2.0
Emotional Intelligence 2.0, 2009, Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves, Talent Smart, San Diego, California.
This book is a bit different. Although, I have a whole library of books on social & emotional intelligence very few offer concrete action steps on how to improve the various elements of emotional intelligence. The Talent Smart team has done that nicely in this small purse sized book. It is filled with great and very practical suggestions on what each of us can do on a daily basis to practice these competencies. Pick it up and just select one area for yourself per day to practice. You will be delightfully surprised how well you begin mastering these skills.
Posted in Kit's Resources & Book Reviews
Tagged communication, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, strengths
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People Styles at Work . . . and Beyond
People Styles at Work . . . and Beyond, 2nd Edition, 2009, by Robert Bolton & Dorothy Grover Bolton, AMACOM American Management Association, New York, New York.
I always find books on differences in personality styles fascinating and this one is no exception. The Bolton authors have developed a simple but powerful four quadrant model to help us identify our own behavioral styles both in our daily work and personal lives. There is a great chapter in how to “flex” our styles while still being true to ourselves but also engaging the best of others. And we can’t forget that this is what brings enduring value to our employers – being able to authentically connect, communicate and collaborate with others. It’s a great book for all of us!
The Happiness Advantage
The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance, by Shawn Achor, Random House Publishers, New York, New York. (2010)
I found this book fascinating because it clearly shakes up our old cultural beliefs that first we need to find external “successes” before we will find “happiness”. Achor takes us along his research path – starting first with Harvard University freshman – and then into the wealth of studies in positive psychology over the last several years. I’m convinced! My time and energy is best spent on ensuring that I maximize my positive emotions to benefit both my professional and personal life.
Posted in Kit's Resources & Book Reviews
Tagged happiness, optimism, Positive Psychology, resiliency, strengths
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How to Develop Self-Confidence & Influence People by Public Speaking
How to Develop Self-Confidence & Influence People by Public Speaking, Dale Carnegie, Simon & Schuster, New York, NY, 2011 Edition.
This book was originally written in 1926! It was titled Public Speaking and Influencing Men in Business and, interestingly, was actually Dale Carnegie’s first book. Of course, Carnegie later became best known for his book How to Win Friends and Influence People. But this first book (edited by his wife, Dorothy Carnegie, for today’s audience) is a gem. It contains many wonderful references to the world of business in the mid-1920’s but also excellent tips on how to master the art of public speaking. I loved the chapters on developing courage & confidence; how to improve your memory and tried & true ways to open and close your presentations. Pick it up!